Author Archives: Carl Simmons

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About Carl Simmons

See the About Me page, if you want to know more about ME. Otherwise, hopefully you'll know more about Jesus and some of his followers by reading here. And thanks for stopping by.

Spiritual Rhythms in Solitude

Posted on April 1, 2012 by Carl Simmons

This one’s more a brief journal piece, but worth sharing. As promised a few weeks back, I’m working my way through Keith Meyer’s Spiritual Rhythms in Community. The Week 3 assignment was to watch, reflect, on, and preferably discuss the … Continue reading →

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Lay Down Your Doubt, Part 2

Posted on March 30, 2012 by Carl Simmons

In the first part of this devotional, posted way back when, we looked at how our anxiety expresses itself in doubt and in trying to “control” the situation apart from God. Sometimes, however, we already know things are out of … Continue reading →

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Lay Down Your Love (Retreat Session 4)

Posted on March 28, 2012 by Carl Simmons

Throughout the course of this retreat, as promised, you’ve been exposed to—and sometimes thrown into in—just a few of the spiritual disciplines. But the fact is, every spiritual discipline is a form of worship. It’s a way of being intentional … Continue reading →

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Past the Beauty, and to The Beautiful

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Carl Simmons

It starts kind of slow, but bear with it. Because, after all, this book is about slowing down enough to recognize God’s reflection in all of creation—as well as in our own creations, as we too reflect the Creator. Steve … Continue reading →

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Lay It Down and Lay It Out (Retreat Session 3)

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Carl Simmons

God has called each of us as individuals, and called us to respond to Him in the unique way He’s called each of us… but that doesn’t mean we’re in this alone. As we’ve already discovered, God has allowed us … Continue reading →

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Lay Down and Listen (Retreat Session 2)

Posted on March 23, 2012 by Carl Simmons

Even if you’re with a group, this session is about you and God spending time together. Just you and God. This might seem scary, or lead to unrealistic expectations, if you’re not used to “wasting time with God.” Don’t let … Continue reading →

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Lay Down… No, Seriously, LAY DOWN. (Retreat Session 1)

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Carl Simmons

The next four entries are for a self-directed retreat/interlude I’m creating for the midway point of Lay It Down, the Book. I’m trying to build it for both individuals and small groups; this is the individual version. Enjoy. (P.S. I’m … Continue reading →

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Going to God Like a Cigarette

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Carl Simmons

Our rather provocative titular reference above is nonetheless a good place for us to start, because this is a book about pursuing God with a single-minded passion. And you’ll have to discover the story that goes with it for yourself. … Continue reading →

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Lay Down Your Triggers: a small-group session

Posted on March 9, 2012 by Carl Simmons

The pre-reading for this (should you choose to do so) is easy—just scroll down, then work your way back up. The relevant entries are as follows: Lay Down Your Circumstances Lay Down Your Ambition Lay Down Your Boundaries Lay Down … Continue reading →

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Naming and Un-claiming Your Idols

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Carl Simmons

“So much of life comes down to the following three questions,” says Ed Welch: “Who is God? Who am I? Who are these other people?” The answers to those questions reveal what we truly care about and who we trust, … Continue reading →

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